The Detroit auto show has seen a lot of concept cars over the decades, but a four-wheel motorcycle powered by a 500-horsepower V-10 engine is a first. January 10, 2003

Detroit, MI – The Detroit auto show has seen a lot of concept cars over the decades, but a four-wheel motorcycle powered by a 500-horsepower V-10 engine is a first. And it may turn out to be more than a concept.

DaimlerChrysler AG’s (NYSE CX – news) (DCXGn.DE) Chrysler arm unveiled the Dodge Tomahawk — essentially the 8.3 liter engine from a Dodge Viper mated to a motorcycle frame. Chrysler executives said while the chrome-draped Tomahawk was outlandish, they were seriously considering whether to build a few hundred at a price of at least $250,000 each.

“This is for people who are passionate about engines,” said Chrysler Chief Operating Officer Wolfgang Bernhard, who rode the Tomahawk on stage during a media preview. “A motorcycle is the most beautiful way to showcase an engine.”

The 1,500-pound Tomahawk can reach 60 miles an hour in about 2.5 seconds, and has a theoretical top speed of 300 mph. Each pair of wheels is separated by a few inches and each wheel has an independent suspension. Bernhard said four wheels were necessary to handle the power from the engine.

The Dodge Tomahawk is a Chrysler Group design concept that is as much a Viper-powered work of art as it is a whole new type of vehicle invention. It is both a sculpture that can be ridden, as well as a bold statement about the Chrysler Group’s enthusiast culture and passion for design.

Chrysler executives said if the Tomahawk were put into production, it would draw attention to the Dodge brand in ways no ordinary sports car could. Bernhard said a decision on whether to build the Tomahawk could be made in several months.

The Tomahawk is a Viper V-10 based motorcycle, a 500 horsepower engine with four wheels beneath it. Ten hand-built reproductions, each to be sold at the smooth price of $555,000. If you’re power junkie looking for a collector’s item, this is the ultimate trip.